The 2025 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS 2025) is poised to be the year’s most anticipated event for professionals across the radio frequency (RF) and microwave industry. Scheduled from June 15–20, 2025, in San Francisco, IMS 2025 is more than just a symposium - it is a dynamic gathering where engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders come together to shape the future of high-frequency technologies.
Co-chaired with the IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFIC) Symposium and the Automatic Radio Frequency Techniques Group (ARFTG) Conference, IMS 2025 offers an unparalleled platform for learning, networking, and collaboration. This convergence of three premier events under the broader umbrella of Microwave Week makes IMS 2025 a one-of-a-kind experience, creating a fertile environment for cross-disciplinary dialogue and innovation.
With over 500 companies exhibiting and more than 9,000 attendees expected, IMS 2025 stands as the largest global gathering of the RF and microwave community. It brings together the latest advancements and disruptive technologies across several key thematic areas, including Systems and Applications, Aerospace and Security, Chips for Critical Infrastructure, and Emerging Technologies, Innovations, and Entrepreneurship. These focus areas reflect the wide-ranging impact of RF and microwave engineering in today’s technology-driven world.
IMS 2025 is also a powerful platform for education and skill development. With a rich program comprising 456 peer-reviewed papers and more than 200 learning sessions, attendees can expect a deep dive into the latest scientific research and industry developments. Learning is offered in multiple engaging formats—plenary sessions, workshops, bootcamps, MicroApps seminars, and thematic summits such as the Future G Summit—providing attendees with valuable tools and insights to advance their knowledge and careers.
However, IMS 2025 is not solely about innovation and technology—it is equally about connection. Throughout the week, attendees will have the chance to engage in meaningful networking at a variety of social and professional events. From the IMS Welcome Reception at the iconic San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, to receptions for Women in Microwaves, Young Professionals, amateur radio enthusiasts, and contributors to MTT-S journals, every moment of IMS 2025 is designed to build community and foster collaboration.
In a major addition this year, IMS 2025 will also be co-located with the IEEE Hard Tech Venture Summit. This groundbreaking new event is designed to bridge the gap between hard tech startups and the broader ecosystem of investors, manufacturers, and corporate partners. It promises to be an essential forum for anyone passionate about entrepreneurship and the commercialization of next-generation RF and microwave technologies. The Hard Tech Pavilion, situated near the MicroApps Theater and the StartUp Pavilion, will highlight emerging companies and the disruptive innovations they bring to market.
Throughout the week, IMS 2025 will continue to build on the success of past initiatives, including the StartUp Pavilion introduced in 2019. This dedicated space offers early-stage RF and microwave companies a chance to shine, connect with investors, and showcase their technologies to a global audience.
Microwave Week will officially kick off on Sunday, June 15, with a variety of informative boot camps and workshops designed to sharpen participants' technical skills or refresh their foundational knowledge. The RFIC Symposium will launch the technical program, setting the stage for a week filled with discovery and learning. IMS 2025 will formally open on Monday, June 16, with the Industry Showcase, followed by the much-anticipated plenary session.
Here are a few programming highlights that make IMS different:
- Multiple learning formats: Plenary Sessions, Bootcamps, Workshops, Industry Workshops, MicroApps Seminars, Future G Summit, and more!
- Numerous networking opportunities: IMS Welcome Reception, Women in Microwaves (WIM) Reception, Young Professionals (YP) Reception, Amateur (HAM) Radio Social, the MTT-S Journals Reception, and the Industry Hosted Reception.
- Co-located conferences: RFIC (15–17 June 2025) and ARFTG (20 June 2025).
This year’s plenary session will feature two prominent speakers who are shaping the future of RF and wireless technologies. Jin Bains, CEO of Mini-Circuits and a leader in the design and manufacturing of RF and microwave components, will present a talk titled "Powering the Next Generation of RF Systems," focusing on how RF is driving innovation across multiple industries.
He will be joined by Professor Arogyaswami Paulraj, Professor Emeritus at Stanford University and pioneer of multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) wireless technology. His talk, "Antenna Arrays for Communications, Positioning, and Sensing: Emerging Applications and Challenges," will provide critical insights into the evolving landscape of wireless communications and sensing.
With a program that blends technical depth, industry insight, and community engagement, IMS 2025 promises to be a landmark experience for everyone involved. To be part of the conversations, innovations, and connections that will define the future of RF and microwave engineering, you can join IMS from June 15 to 20, 2025, in San Francisco.
Click here to register for IMS 2025.
